Neil Clark was remanded in custody at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on June 12. He was charged with the murder of his 70-year-old wife, Francine, last month at her home in Bearsden, Glasgow.

He made no plea to the charge during a private appearance in the dock.

Clark was remanded in custody and was expected to appear in court at a later date. But the Scottish Prison Service confirmed yesterday that Clark – a prisoner at Low Moss Prison in Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow – had died.

A spokeswoman said: “Police have been advised and the matter will be reported to the procurator fiscal. Next of kin have been informed and a fatal accident inquiry will be held.”

It is understood Clark was being treated as an hospital in-patient at the time of his death.